DUKE OF WINDSOR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 38, 24 November 1937, Page 10

DUKE OF WINDSOR.

Hl9 FUTURE MOVEMENTS. REGARDED AS OWN AFFAIR. ’LONDON, November 9. Whether the Duke and Duchess of Windsor ■will come to Britain or visit any part of the Empire is officially regarded as being purely their own private affair. It is pointed out that the Duke has no home in Britain; Fort Belvedere, which he used, is Crown property. The visit paid by the Secretary for War (Mr Hore-Belisha) to the Duke in Paris last month was purely private and was not inspired. Official and Government circles lack direct knowledge of the Duke’s desires and intentions. It is suggested that the best course for the Duke and Duchess at present is to settle down quietly in Austria, where their presence causes no complications and where there is no possibility of anyone making political capital as was done after the visit to Germany, No Prospect of Invitation. If they care to come to Britain or visit any part of the Empire they would, presumably, do so in a purely private capacity and it is not in the least likely that the Government woidd take any action one way or the other. There seems to be no prospect at present of the issue of. any invitation to return. Stories that the Duke talked over the telephone to the King or is in regular communication with Buckingham Palace are scouted. The most recent developments suggest that the Duke has been badly advised. Denmark expected to see the Duke, who promised to visit Denmark and Sweden in order to study housing and working conditions after going to the United States. He will carry out this programme shortly, in spite of the cancellation of the American trip. He will be received in Denmark as a member of the British Royal Family. Status of Duchess. The “Daily Express” says the possibility of the Duke and Duchess returning to England has been informally discussed by members of the Royal Family. High officials of the Government are believed to have been consulted on the point. But they have found the Duchess’s status in England a stumbling block. It is known that the Duke is holding out for recognition of his wife under the title, “Her Royal Highness.” This is impossible in terms of the Royal Proclamation of May 28. In this proclamation the King issued letters patent giving the Duke of Windsor the right to use the title “Royal Highness,” which he had sacrificed by His abdication. It was expressly stated, however, that the title ■would not be granted to the Duchess of Windsor or to any children of the marriage. It has been suggested as a compromise that the Duchess should be “received” by members of the Royal Family, and should continue to be known as “Her Grace.” It is doubtful, however, whether the Duke* would agree to this, although he would dearly love to return to England.